4WD Issues

[2004ChevyDmax]

Ok, so we got about 6 inches of snow last night and while I was in 4WD today I noticed some awful "thud" sounds and major vibrations coming out of the front end. It seems to only do it when the front end is pulling, not when coasting or anything and it does not do it in 2wd. The tires bounce around a lot and it feels like the front end is coming out of the truck. I have not crawled under it yet, but I thought I would make a post and see if anyone has experienced this before. It's a 04 model with 117,000 miles. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks,

 

[Vrabel]

Check diff fluid & CV joints. is it worse on turns?

 

[x MadMAX DIESEL]

It seems to only do it when the front end is pulling, not when coasting or anything and it does not do it in 2wd. The tires bounce around a lot and it feels like the front end is coming out of the truck.

How hard are you accelerating? I think your tie rods are bending and about to snap

 

[2004ChevyDmax]

I'm not really accelerating that hard, just normal driving up and down country roads. It does it in the turns and straightaways. I'm gonna try and give it good look this afternoon or tomorrow.

 

[2004ChevyDmax]

I found out what my problem was. I lifted the front end off of the ground and throughly inspected the front end. Both upper ball joints are out, there is a lot of slop when I rock my tires up and down. There is also a lot of play in my idler arm. Replacement parts about $200 bucks, not too bad. I figured I would go ahead and replace the lower ball joints too. I bought this truck used and I noticed that the torsion bars are cranked up to where the truck sits level. I know that this throws everything "out." Anybody know how much faster that this would wear out the ball joints. Just curious, I will probably keep it level because I think it looks better. What do you guys do with your torsion bars? Crank them up, or keep them factory spec.?

 

[Vrabel]

Remember, go for "MOOG" brand parts. They carry a lifetime waranty and live by it. not worth saving a couple of bucks on cheaper stuff.